The single best beer bar in your state?

[Xpertskir]

You have to pick just one...

Thought this may be a cool reference thread for travel, beyond interesting discussion.


West Virginia
Apothecary Ale House, Morgantown

Not great in the grand scheme, but best for the state(that has the worst distribution in the country).

 

[signpost]

Ashley's in Ann Arbor is the best one I know of in Michigan.

http://www.ashleys.com/

Draft magazine apparently listed it as one of the best 100 beer bars in the country at some point. Looks like they currently have 46 beers on draft and their bottle list is ridiculous.

 

[daksin]

This one is going to catch a lot of heat, but Small Bar is the best beer bar in San Diego (I'm not sure it's fair to have to only pick one in California).

 

[RyeGuy]

Red Light Red Light in Orlando.

 

[TheZymurgist]

Brickstore Pub in Decatur, GA. Great beer, incredible food.

 

[MTate37]

I'm going with The J. Clyde in Alabama. Great beer selection and their food is fantastic, especially the seasonal menus. Good events and atmosphere as well.

 

[the_trout]

I couldn't possibly speak to the best beer bar in NY state. There has to be a hundred high quality beer bars, most of which I will never go to. In my corner of the state, Rochester, Id say the two best are...

MacGregors
Tap and Mallet

but there are several other bars that are very close to them.

EDIT: Interesting link on number of bars in each state...
Bars per State

 

[UNIbrewster]

Iowa: El Bait Shop. Over 100 different beers with a lot that change out every month. And they have amazing nachos.

 

[Evan_L]

CT: Willimantic Brewing Company. Fairly large brew pub in northeastern CT. Always makes great beer, has 6-8 on tap favoring saisons and IPA's. Carries a great selection of other CT micro's and while the bottle list isn't huge, it spans quite the range. 40 other taps ranging from run of the mill craft to harder to find selections. Ambience is unbeatable, they are in an old post office building, massive place with 30' ceilings, wood and trim work that probably couldn't be done today because of the cost. And of course, great super friendly service and knowledgeable staff. Did I mention great food too.

 

[Wynne-R]

It’s a tough call in Texas, but I’d say Flying Saucer in Fort Worth. It’s not quite the same as the original location, but it’s still pretty great. It moved from 4th St to 3rd St this spring.

The first Flying Saucer (1985) is still the best. Knowledgeable staff, huge selection.

 

[paithian]

I have to 2nd ashleys in Ann Arbor mi they also have a location in westland mi but. now I live in Texas and have yet to find a good one in my town

 

[igotsand]

This one is going to catch a lot of heat, but Small Bar is the best beer bar in San Diego (I'm not sure it's fair to have to only pick one in California).

While I do like Small bar, imo Churchills is better at getting top quality beers(its hard just picking one) and its closer to my house..

 

[Bulls Beers]

Boston has some good beer bars.. One would be Deep Ellum in Allston.

 

[thisisbeer]

Didnt read correctly the first time. My favorite beer bar in houston tx is the petrol station. Plenty of craft beer and no BMC on tap. Also ypu have to try the rancor burger its awesome

 

[UnDeadPresident]

For Colorado: Falling Rock Tap House in Denver. ~70 beers on tap at any given time (none are BMC), plus many more in bottles including some that weren't on the menu. Used to be my local when I lived downtown. I miss going to that place on a nightly basis...

 

[SnakeHandlerIIPA]

I'm going with The J. Clyde in Alabama. Great beer selection and their food is fantastic, especially the seasonal menus. Good events and atmosphere as well.

Seconded

 

[JLem]

I know I'm breaking rules by picking two...but they're in different states...I consider both states "mine"

Doherty's East Ave Irish Pub, Pawtucket, RI - www.dohertys.com. If you ever find yourself in/around Providence, this is the place to go for quality and selection (something like 80 beers on tap...plus a full bottle menu). Food is top notch too.

For Mass, I'm going to go with Armsby Abbey in Worcester - www.armsbyabbey.com - especially for your Belgian fix. Food is out of this world too...especially for local, "artisanal" fare.

 

[TobyG]

No competition. I'd even put it in the running for the best beer bar in the Gulf South.
http://theavenuepub.com/

 

[drainbamage]

Pazzo's in Lexington. Instrumental in my beer education and quite possibly the only reason I got through college.

 

[jel1883]

Right now my favorite is Easy Tiger in Austin, TX.

 

[gibsonmi]

Representing the west side of Michigan I'm going to have to vote Hopcat in Grand Rapids

 

[Callacave]

Vacationed this Summer in the Outer Banks, NC. Highly recommend Trio

 

[Braufessor]

Iowa: El Bait Shop. Over 100 different beers with a lot that change out every month. And they have amazing nachos.

Yep - Iowa is easy - El Bait Shop. That is it. End of discussion. GREAT beer bar.


I would also throw out a suggestion for Wisconsin - Bodega in LaCrossee. 500 beers on the 15+ page beer menu..... that is solid.

 

[kchomebrew]

For Missouri, Kansas City has a few and I would say those are The Foundrey, Antons Taphouse or Bier Station. St Louis has a nice one also with International Taphouse.

I visit Baltimore every so often and would have to think Max's would be up there for Maryland

 

[spam_and_eggs]

Out of the ones I've been to in Philly (too many good ones, not enough time), Monk's is my favorite! Crazy good stuff there, not to mention an almost endless supply of Pliny during the summer.

 

[JonM]

I know there are good beer places in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee, but I sure like the Palm Tavern in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. 60 taps of all American craft beer.

 

[zachattack]

Boston has some good beer bars.. One would be Deep Ellum in Allston.

Agree 100%. I love Lord Hobo as well, but Deep Ellum is definitely my favorite. Incredible food, beer, cocktails, and service.

 

[prpromin]

JonM -I think you might be thinking of Palm Tavern's sister bar, Sugar Maple - they have 60 taps. Palm Tavern has 25 (I think). Been to both, and while I like Sugar Maple's selection, I love the Palm - best beer bar in Milwaukee.

In my other home state - Hopcat - Grand Rapids, MI. Though I really like going to the Founders taproom, too.

 

[bad coffee]

Creek House in Western PA, Monks in Eastern PA
Gingerman in Dallas, the one in NYC isn't that great, there are more kickass beer bars in NYC. Blind Tiger, BXL, DBA, and so many other great places.
El bait shop is amazing.
Hopcat or Graydon's Crossing in Grand Rapids, MI. Hopcat has more beers, but Gradon's has better beers and better food.
Hop Leaf or the Map Room in Chicago. Hop Leaf is closer to Lady Gregory's- AMAZING scotch bar.

I travel for work, so I get to drink in a lot of great bars!

 

[Channel66]

My favorite in Maine has got to be

http://novareresbiercafe.com

Their bottle selection is damn impressive